Yosemite BP: North Rim (El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, North Dome) Register

Date and Time:
Fri, Jun 12, 2026; 8:00 AM (Pacific) - Mon, Jun 15, 2026  1:00 PM  (Pacific)

Organized By: SF Bay Chp Backpacking

Location: South Fork of the Tuolumne Trailhead, California 95389, USA

Map | Directions

Day 0 Thursday, June 11
Optional: Spend the night in Yosemite Valley at the backpacker's camp in North Pines Campground. 
Day 1 Friday, June 12  
Car exchange: Drive to the Old Big Oak Flat trailhead on Highway 120 near Foresta and park some cars.  Half of the cars will be left at the Curry Village dirt parking lot in Yosemite Valley. 4 miles, 1,105 ascent.
Cascade Creek Water Supply

We will hike from Cascade Creek, climbing 1,800 more feet to a plateau, and then pass through Ribbon Meadow and Creek at 4.8 miles.  The camp at El Capitan will be dry, so we will need to bring extra water from Ribbon Creek and carry it to the campsite 1.3 miles away.  Camp on El Capitan 7,561 ft. or nearby (weather permitting).  Total travel 10.1 miles and 2,692 ascent,
View from El Capitan campsite.

Day 2 Saturday, June 13
We will hike from El Capitan to Eagle Peak 7,750 ft, and then cross over Yosemite Creek at Yosemite Falls.  We will continue to Yosemite Point and then camp near Royal Arch Creek 7,122 ft on our way up to North Dome the next day.   9.5 miles

Day 3 Sunday, June 14
Hike to North Dome and Arch Rock, and then down to the Snow Creek footbridge 6,742 ft, where we will camp for the night.  6.6 miles
Snow Creek Campsite

Day 4 Monday, June 15
Hike down the Yosemite Falls trail for a total mileage of 3.2 and 2,827 ft downhill.  Option to drive directly home or spend another night in Yosemite Valley at the backpacker's camp in North Pines Campground.
Mirror Lake

1. The elevation, likelihood of mosquitoes, sudden inclement weather, presence of bears, the potential for flooded trails, etc., all pose their challenges, and you should come prepared to cope with these (note that using bear spray is neither allowed in the park nor is it necessary, so do not bring any).
2. We won’t be racing, because we want to appreciate the scenery and wilderness experience. However, maintaining a reasonable pace and group cohesion are expected. So, if you feel you need more independence and less structure, do not sign up for this trip.
3. You may not ask to leave early on the last day. As a group function, we travel together. If you have a commitment that requires you to leave early, do not sign up for this trip.
4. We leaders are volunteers, and we do not have time to deal with numerous cancellations. So please make this trip a priority and commit to arranging your work schedule and family obligations around this trip. Otherwise, do not sign up for this trip.
5. In the unlikely event that you need to be evacuated, by signing up for this trip, you accept full responsibility to pay the full cost for your evacuation. Neither the Sierra Club nor the National Park Service pays for this service. If you do not agree, do not sign up for this trip.
6. We require you to practice Leave No Trace Ethics on this trip.  Carry out all toilet paper and other garbage.  Pitch a tent on durable surfaces, and do not use soap or the toilet within 100 ft of water bodies.  Store food appropriately in bear canisters and keep a crumb clean campsite.

Level: Strenuous (2CT)

Cost: $70

Signup Instructions: Make sure you sign the online waiver and then I will contact you about other forms you will need to fill out. You will be accepted to the trip, provided there is room, and you have filled out the required medical and experience forms.

Recommended Items: Food is an individual commissary. You will need backpacking gear, a tent, sleeping bag, stove, and food. I will supply a detailed list after you have signed up.

Signup Restrictions: Please R.S.V.P below and acknowledge the liability waiver. The trip leader will contact you to start the approval process and provide further information. The trip is limited to 6 people at this campsite.

Additional Directions: We will meet at the North Pines Backpackers Camp the night before or the morning. Half the cars will stay at the Curry Village dirt lot, and the others will be parked at the Old Big Flat Road Trailhead. Additional Cost: There is an $8 fee for the Backpackers campsite.

Carpool: Carpooling is up to the individuals on the trip. The leader will not make arrangements. I will send out a participant list so you can make your own arrangements.

Note: Carpool transportation is at the sole risk of the participants.

Yosemite National Park